Bardhaman, headquarters of Bardhaman district, is the fifth largest city in West Bengal. It is the largest agricultural centre in the state, located in what has been traditionally called the "granary of Bengal". It is a major transport centre with rail and road connections all around. Since independence, it has emerged as a higher education hub. Bardhaman gets its name from Vardhamana Mahavira, the last Jain tirthankara in 6th century BC, who is said to have traversed this region. Located in the fertile plains of Bengal, it has been the target of many an invader and witnessed many battles, the most touching being the battle between Sher Afgan and Qutubuddin Aibak in 1610, to determine the fate of Meherunissa, wife of Sher Afgan, who emerged as Noor Jehan. Both Sher Afgan and Qutubuddin Aibak lie buried in Bardhaman. In more recent history the Badhaman Raj family has played a more dynamic role in shaping the destiny of Bardhaman. Curzon Gate is an important landmark in Bardhaman and the Rajbati now houses Burdwan University.

The Grand Trunk Road runs across the city, NH 2 bypasses the city. South Bengal State Transport Corporation and private operators operate buses from Esplanade and Karunamoyee in Saltlake. It takes around 2-21/2 hours. Bardhaman is well connected by bus with numerous places all around. Most of the buses arrive and leave from Tinkonia Bus Stand.

The main Howrah-Delhi rail track passes through Bardhaman. One can take a local train from Howrah to reach in 2 hrs. One can also travel along the Sahibganj Loop, which branches off, one station after Bardhaman. The narrow gauge line to Katwa is being upgraded (as of 2013) to broad gauge.

Mazhar of Pir Baharam. The Mazhar of Pir Baharam, which houses the tomb of a Persian Sufi saint, also houses the tombs of Sher Afgan and Qutubuddin Aibak who were killed in a battle at Bardhaman in 1610. Meherunissa, the wife of the Subedar of Bardhaman, Sher Afgan, was sent to Delhi after the battle, and later emerged as Noor Jahan.